Stains on Tile and How to Remove Them

Jun 19, 2015

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Why Are There Water Stains on my Tub and Tile?

Nothing is more relaxing than a long hot soak in a luxurious bath. However,
the stained and grimy bathtub can detract from the experience and turn
a relaxing soak into a stressful examination of the various stains marring your
bathtub and tile.

These stains are caused and exacerbated by many various factors, and can
make your tub look grungy even if you just scrubbed it.

Fortunately many of these stains are very easy to remove with common household
solvents, and if you have a particularly stubborn one, you can always
look for professional help.

What Causes Water Stains?

Water stains on your tile or bathtub can appear for a variety of reasons,
even if you follow a strict cleaning regimen. One of the most common culprits
is hard water.

When water chock full of natural minerals comes through your pipes and
into your tub, it can leave a residue of those minerals behind, which
results in the spotty, dingy look that you sometimes find on your clean
glasses and dishes right out of the dishwasher.

These hard water deposits are resistant to soap and detergents, and require
special care. Bathtub stains may also be caused by mildew and soap scum,
which can be more easily removed with common household cleaners.

How To Clean Hard Water Stains

Hard water can leave unsightly spots on clear glass, and unsightly brown
or white stains on bathtub finishes.

The bad news is that a lot of toilet bowl cleaners and other chemical solvents
that have the power to etch the toilet bowl can be harmful to the finish
of your plexiglass bathtub and eat away at it over time.

The good news is that many of these mineral deposits can be cleared right
up with a treatment of simple household baking soda and white vinegar.
To treat your hard water stains, simply apply baking soda liberally to
the affected area, then spray with vinegar in a clean spray bottle until
it forms a kind of paste. Leave this on the affected area for several
hours before scrubbing it off with a gentle household cleaner.

How To Maintain Your Tile and Tub and Prevent Mildew and Mold Stains

Hard water isn't the only thing that can leave unsightly stains on
your bathroom and tile.

Many stains are caused by mildew, mold, and other microbial pests that
thrive in the damp conditions of your bathroom.

For most of these organic stains, a simple household cleaner that includes
bleach will almost instantly dissolve these harmful microbes, leaving
you with a tub that is sparkling like new.

Perform regular bathroom cleanup to ensure that mold, soap scum and other
stains never get a chance to build up.